Golden Fern- Mature Age Plants

Golden Fern-Chamaecyparis obtuse

Golden fern's name comes from the bright lemon yellow color of the new growth at the tips of this fern. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Golden Fern’ will make a fabulous addition to any garden. The more mature foliage becomes increasingly dark green as it gets closer to the cinnamon-colored trunk. The foliage is soft and gives an amazing texture to run your fingers through. It has arched, sprawling branches that will grow to about 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The golden fern takes about ten years to reach full maturity. This lovely fern grows at a rate of about 2 to 3 inches per year. The golden fern is best suited for moderate climates. The USDA plant hardiness zones recommended for this beautiful fern are zones 5 through 8. For optimum growth, the fern should be planted in full sunlight areas. The only exception is, when planting in hotter climes, partial shade will keep the plant from scorching. The golden fern needs moist soil with adequate drainage. The plant will scorch in drought or low humidity. It holds it's brilliant yellow color all year long. Planting it as a backdrop for smaller, seasonal flowers, such as Clematis, would ensure that your flower beds never look empty. The golden fern is a hardy plant, excellent for even a novice gardener. The golden fern requires little upkeep and maintenance. Simply clear out dead foliage occasionally and observe for signs of scorching to keep your fern healthy for years to come. This fern is an offshoot of the larger "Fernspray Gold" plant. The Fernspray Gold has the same yellow tips but grows considerably larger, up to 10 feet tall and 7 feet wide. When purchasing your Golden Fern, it's important not to get the related plants confused and end up with overcrowding.